What is the Colorado Shakespeare Festival?
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is an annual theater festival dedicated to performing the works of William Shakespeare and other classic playwrights. It’s a beloved event for theatergoers in Boulder and the surrounding regions, drawing in both locals and tourists for high-quality productions. The festival typically runs from late June through early August, offering a variety of Shakespeare’s plays along with contemporary adaptations, making it an ideal summer destination for those seeking a blend of outdoor beauty and brilliant theater.
The festival is known for its top-tier performances, which are often staged in two beautiful outdoor venues: the University Theatre and the Mary Rippon Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater located on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. These venues provide an exceptional atmosphere for enjoying Shakespeare’s works, allowing audiences to experience theater under the stars in the perfect summer weather.
The History of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival
Origins in the 1950s
The roots of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival can be traced back to the late 1950s when a group of theater enthusiasts sought to bring the works of William Shakespeare to Boulder. The festival was founded in 1958 by University of Colorado professor and director David F. Zook, with the goal of making the works of Shakespeare accessible to local audiences in a relaxed and inviting environment. Initially, performances were held in the Boulder Civic Theatre and various other venues, but in 1960, the festival found a permanent home at the University of Colorado Boulder campus, where it has remained ever since.
The first few years of the festival were modest, with performances being staged in small, intimate settings. But as the festival’s popularity grew, so did its production scale. By the 1970s, the festival had evolved into a fully professional theater company, attracting national talent and becoming a premier destination for Shakespearean productions in the United States.
The Outdoor Venue: Mary Rippon Theatre
In 1977, the Mary Rippon Theatre was created as an outdoor venue specifically designed for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Named after Mary Rippon, the first female faculty member at the University of Colorado, the amphitheater quickly became an iconic landmark of the festival. The venue’s outdoor setting offers a stunning atmosphere for performances, with the flatirons and the natural beauty of the Colorado landscape serving as a picturesque backdrop.
Today, the Mary Rippon Theatre remains the heart of the festival, hosting a range of performances throughout the summer. Its open-air design gives the audience a unique experience, blending the art of theater with the natural beauty of the Boulder landscape.
A Commitment to Tradition and Innovation
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is known for staying true to the spirit of Shakespeare while also experimenting with fresh, innovative interpretations of his works. Over the years, the festival has presented both traditional renditions of Shakespeare’s plays as well as contemporary adaptations that bring new life to the material. Whether it’s a modern take on Macbeth or a classic rendering of Romeo and Juliet, the CSF embraces diversity in style, helping audiences connect with the timeless themes of Shakespeare in new and exciting ways.
The Performances: A Feast for Theater Lovers
Classic Shakespeare Plays
At the heart of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival are the classic plays that have made Shakespeare one of the most celebrated playwrights in history. From his comedies to his tragedies, his works continue to captivate audiences with their rich characters, intricate plots, and profound exploration of human nature. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic Shakespeare plays regularly performed at the festival:
1. Romeo and Juliet
The Iconic Tragedy of Star-Crossed Lovers
Romeo and Juliet is undeniably one of the most beloved and enduring tragedies in Shakespeare’s oeuvre. This heart-wrenching tale of two young lovers, whose lives are doomed from the start by the bitter feud between their families, has become a symbol of passionate yet tragic love. The tension, the desperation, and the pure emotional power of this play make it a favorite at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, where it is often presented with the depth and drama that the material demands.
The story follows the impetuous Romeo and Juliet, whose romance blooms under the shadow of their families’ longstanding rivalry. The festival’s productions bring out the intensity of the young lovers’ emotions while portraying the destructive power of hate, making it a poignant meditation on the futility of conflict and the innocence lost in the crossfire. Whether it’s the impassioned balcony scene or the tragic finale, Romeo and Juliet evokes deep emotions and prompts audiences to reflect on the timeless consequences of familial strife.
A Bold Exploration of Passion and Tragedy
The festival’s directors often experiment with different interpretations to emphasize various aspects of the play, including themes of fate, youth, and the clash of generational values. The modern staging of Romeo and Juliet at CSF often incorporates a mix of traditional and contemporary design elements, showcasing Shakespeare’s universality and relevance across time.
2. Hamlet
The Complex Tragedy of Revenge, Madness, and Mortality
One of Shakespeare’s most intellectually complex tragedies, Hamlet stands as a profound exploration of human nature, indecision, revenge, and mortality. Hamlet centers on the Danish prince’s quest for vengeance after the ghost of his father reveals that Hamlet’s uncle, Claudius, murdered him to seize the throne. Hamlet’s inner turmoil, philosophical musings, and erratic behavior have made this play one of Shakespeare’s most enduring and frequently performed works.
At the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Hamlet is brought to life with rich, nuanced performances that delve deeply into the psychological complexity of the protagonist. The production often focuses on Hamlet’s existential questions, exploring themes like the meaning of life, the certainty of death, and the morality of revenge. The famous soliloquy “To be, or not to be,” often portrayed with great gravitas, is an emotional and intellectual highlight of any CSF performance.
Bringing Depth to the Play’s Philosophical Themes
The festival often emphasizes the play’s layers of psychological intrigue, from Hamlet’s relationship with his mother Gertrude, to his rivalry with Claudius, and his complicated friendships with characters like Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. The production makes use of the intimate outdoor setting of the Mary Rippon Theatre, allowing the audience to feel the weight of Hamlet’s emotional journey and the haunting isolation that he experiences.
3. Macbeth
The Dark Tragedy of Power and Ambition
With its themes of ambition, guilt, and the supernatural, Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s darkest and most intense tragedies. The play follows the rise and fall of the Scottish general Macbeth, who, after receiving a prophecy from three witches, becomes consumed with the desire to rule as king. Macbeth’s unchecked ambition drives him to murder, treachery, and madness, ultimately leading to his downfall.
The CSF’s production of Macbeth is known for its atmospheric settings, which bring the eerie, foreboding elements of the play to life. The use of lighting, fog, and sound design create an unsettling atmosphere that mirrors Macbeth’s psychological descent. The haunting appearance of the witches, combined with Macbeth’s growing paranoia and guilt, brings the supernatural themes to the forefront, leaving audiences with a chilling sense of doom.
A Study of the Human Psyche
In Macbeth, Shakespeare explores the corrosive effects of unchecked ambition and the consequences of betrayal. The festival’s performances often focus on the inner turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, creating a dynamic and intense portrayal of the characters’ psychological conflicts. The play’s chilling conclusion, marked by Macbeth’s inevitable demise, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of moral corruption.
4. A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A Whimsical Comedy of Love and Magic
On the lighter side of Shakespeare’s works, A Midsummer Night’s Dream remains one of the most enchanting and beloved comedies in the bard’s repertoire. This fantastical tale of love, magic, and mistaken identities is filled with fairy-tale elements, humorous misunderstandings, and some of Shakespeare’s most whimsical characters, including the mischievous Puck and the fairies of the enchanted forest.
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream often embraces the play’s fantastical elements, using imaginative costumes, intricate choreography, and vibrant music to enhance the dreamlike quality of the story. The festival’s emphasis on visual spectacle and creative interpretation captures the surreal essence of the play, transporting the audience into the magical realm of love and mischief.
Celebrating the Play’s Themes of Love and Transformation
The comedy is a playful exploration of the follies of love and human nature, with themes of desire, jealousy, and transformation at its core. The festival’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream delights in the transformative power of love and magic, with characters experiencing literal and metaphorical transformations that reveal their true selves. The joyous conclusion, where all misunderstandings are resolved and love conquers all, makes it a perfect family-friendly option that still resonates with adult audiences.
5. Julius Caesar
The Political Thriller of Power, Betrayal, and Moral Dilemmas
Julius Caesar is one of Shakespeare’s greatest political plays, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and moral conflict. Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, the play follows the conspiracy against Caesar led by Brutus and Cassius, culminating in Caesar’s assassination and the chaos that follows. The characters’ internal moral struggles, as well as their relationships to loyalty and ambition, provide the drama with its complex depth.
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s adaptation of Julius Caesar often brings a contemporary relevance to the political themes within the play, highlighting issues such as the abuse of power, political manipulation, and the ethical questions surrounding revolution. By drawing parallels between ancient Rome and modern political systems, CSF’s production breathes new life into this timeless play, making it resonate with today’s audiences.
The Struggle for Power and Justice
The festival’s portrayal of Julius Caesar often emphasizes the play’s exploration of honor, betrayal, and the question of whether the end justifies the means. Brutus’ internal conflict, in particular, is a central focus, as his belief in the greater good comes into direct opposition with his love for Caesar. The political intrigue and manipulation that unfold in Julius Caesar provide a thrilling experience, making it a fitting choice for anyone interested in political drama and the consequences of power.
Contemporary Adaptations and New Works
While the festival is rooted in the tradition of Shakespeare, it is also committed to innovation and the reinterpretation of his works. In recent years, the festival has presented contemporary adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, exploring how the themes of love, power, and ambition can be applied to modern life. These adaptations often blend classical and modern elements, allowing audiences to experience Shakespeare in a new light.
Moreover, the CSF is also known for commissioning new works inspired by Shakespearean themes, providing a platform for new playwrights and offering a unique perspective on the world of classic theater.
The Experience: What to Expect When Attending
Outdoor Theater in a Beautiful Setting
One of the most unique features of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival is its setting. Performances take place in the Mary Rippon Theatre, an open-air amphitheater that offers stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty. As you sit in the audience, you’re not only immersed in the world of Shakespeare’s plays but also surrounded by the incredible landscapes of Boulder, including the majestic Flatirons mountain range.
The outdoor setting adds an extra layer of magic to the performances, with the changing light of the day and the natural sounds of the environment weaving into the experience. Whether you’re attending a night performance under the stars or a daytime show with the sun shining, the beauty of the location enhances the theatrical experience in ways that indoor venues simply cannot replicate.
Pre-Show Activities and Events
In addition to the performances themselves, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival also offers a variety of pre-show events and activities. These include:
- Talkbacks: After certain performances, the cast and director participate in post-show discussions, providing valuable insights into the creative process and the themes of the play.
- Workshops and Educational Programs: The CSF is dedicated to offering educational opportunities for audiences of all ages. From workshops on acting to programs for local schools, the festival strives to make Shakespeare’s works accessible and engaging for everyone.
- Picnics and Dining: Visitors can make a full day of their experience by enjoying a picnic before the show in the beautiful University of Colorado Boulder campus. The area is full of green spaces and scenic spots, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a meal before the performance.
A Family-Friendly Event
Although the Colorado Shakespeare Festival is known for its traditional approach to Shakespeare, the festival is also welcoming to families and newcomers to the world of theater. Many performances are family-friendly, and the festival offers special family programs designed to make Shakespeare’s works accessible and enjoyable for children. These performances often feature engaging storylines, humor, and visual elements that will captivate young audiences while introducing them to the timeless themes of Shakespeare.
Accessibility and Comfort
The festival strives to make its performances accessible to everyone. With wheelchair access, assistive listening devices, and accommodations for hearing-impaired attendees, the CSF ensures that all theater lovers can enjoy its productions. The open-air nature of the venue also provides ample opportunities for attendees to relax and enjoy the show at their own pace, whether seated in traditional theater seating or lounging on the lawn.
Final Words
The Colorado Shakespeare Festival is a must-see event for anyone who appreciates the magic of live theater, the beauty of outdoor performances, and the timeless works of Shakespeare. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the bard or a newcomer to his works, the festival offers a chance to immerse yourself in the world of classic theater and experience Shakespeare in a fresh and engaging way. Set in the stunning backdrop of Boulder’s natural landscape, it’s an experience that will leave you with a greater appreciation for the richness of theater and the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s stories.
If you’re planning a trip to Boulder, make sure to schedule some time to enjoy a performance at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. It’s more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the power of storytelling.
